Select Regions

Microsoft Testing Automatic Update to Fix Windows 8.1 Upgrade Woes

Paul Lilly
Jul 02, 2014

Page 1 of 10

Let's everyone cross our fingers

Microsoft first offered up its free update to Windows 8.1 (from Windows 8) for the general public back in October of last year, though there are still many users who have been unable to make the leap. If you're one of the unlucky ones pulling your hair out wondering why you can't get the update to install, hang tight, a fix might finally be forthcoming. At long last,
Microsoft has released an automatic update that's supposed to solve the Windows 8.1 upgrade issue
.

Hopefully this works better than the original implementation. For whatever reason, Microsoft made the Windows 8.1 upgrade available through the Windows Store. Not everyone was able to install it, however, and this fix Microsoft is rolling out is considered a pilot program.

"This (Windows RT) pilot program is an example of ways we're experimenting to help ensure more of our customers benefit from a continuously improving Windows experience," a Microsoft spokesperson said,
according to Paul Thurrott
. "Similar to how the Windows 8.1 Update [1] process works today, the pilot program will automatically update consumer Windows 8 and Windows RT machines for free to Windows 8.1 Update and Windows RT 8.1 Update in select markets."

The update is intended to fix whatever issue is preventing PCs from upgrading to Windows 8.1. If you'd rather not wait for it to be rolled out to your system automatically, you can manually
grab the download
and try your luck, at least for the Windows RT version (we're not aware of a manual download link for the x86 version yet). Please note that you must first install
update 2871389
regardless of whether you're running Windows 8.0 or Windows RT 8.0.

Dream Machine:

Magazine:

For nearly 20 years, Maximum PC is considered by enthusiasts to be the absolute source for the latest hardware reviews, in-depth analysis, and breaking news on the latest PC hardware. Our team of industry experts give you the guidance you need to make the most informed buying decisions and deliver the best guides on how to use and optimize your experience. If you’re looking for the definitive reference on PC hardware, you’ve found it.